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How are sunburst charts better than treemaps?

AI Industry-Specific Solutions > AI for Professional Services6 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use a sunburst chart instead of a treemap?
Use a sunburst chart when you need to clearly show hierarchical depth and relationships across multiple levels, as its concentric rings make it easier to visualize uneven branching—like subcategories in a bookstore inventory—compared to treemaps, which can obscure mid-level categories.
Are sunburst charts better for large datasets than treemaps?
No, treemaps are generally better for large datasets because their rectangular layout uses space more efficiently and supports easier size comparisons across levels, while sunburst charts may waste space in rectangular displays despite being more visually intuitive for hierarchy.
Can sunburst and treemap charts be interactive?
Yes, both chart types support interactivity—tools like Plotly and Flourish enable features such as zooming, pathbars, and animations, allowing users to navigate hierarchical data dynamically and explore patterns from broad to detailed levels.
Is one chart type more accurate than the other for showing proportions?
Treemaps are typically more accurate for comparing sizes due to the human eye’s ability to judge rectangular areas better than angular slices, but sunburst charts excel at showing proportional relationships within a clear hierarchical context.
Do sunburst charts work well in dashboards for professional services?
Sunburst charts can be useful in dashboards to illustrate client portfolio hierarchies or revenue breakdowns by category, but their effectiveness depends on integration with dynamic, context-aware systems—something custom AI workflows can provide better than static no-code tools.
Can I build custom dashboards with sunburst or treemap visualizations using AI?
Yes, platforms like Plotly and Flourish support building interactive versions of both charts, and custom AI solutions—such as those developed by AIQ Labs—can integrate these visualizations into scalable, API-connected dashboards tailored to professional services needs.

Beyond the Dashboard: Turning Data Into Strategic Advantage

While sunburst charts may offer clearer hierarchical insights than treemaps in certain scenarios, the real challenge for professional services firms isn’t choosing the right chart—it’s transforming fragmented data into actionable intelligence. Off-the-shelf tools and no-code platforms often fall short, delivering static visuals with brittle integrations and limited context-awareness. At AIQ Labs, we go beyond visualization by building custom AI solutions that integrate deeply with your workflows through two-way APIs, powering dynamic, predictive dashboards tailored to your operational needs. Our in-house platforms, Agentive AIQ and Briefsy, enable law firms, consultants, and accounting practices to replace subscription-based tools with a single, scalable, compliant AI asset—driving outcomes like 20–40 hours saved weekly and 15–30% faster project close times. This isn’t just about better charts; it’s about building production-ready AI systems that evolve with your business. Ready to move beyond superficial tools? Take the first step: claim your free AI audit today and uncover how custom AI can close critical workflow gaps in your firm.

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